UK design and construction company Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has been named ‘Digital Contractor of the Year’ at the TechFest awards, recognising the company as a digital leader in the construction sector. Hosted by Construction News and New Civil Engineer, the TechFest awards spotlight the most ground-breaking projects, teams, and businesses driving digital transformation in the built environment. Mott MacDonald - MMB’s parent company – took home ‘Digital Consultant of the Year’ and ‘Best Use of Technology: Carbon Reduction in Design’, highlighting the strength of digital technology across the whole Mott MacDonald Group. With JN Bentley’s national contracting expertise combined with Mott MacDonald’s international engineering capabilities, MMB delivers digital solutions that drive real impact throughout the entire project lifecycle. MMB team accepting the award on stage at TechFest 2025 Digital delivery at MMB Spanning design to construction, MMB’s digital approach benefits from strong partnerships and advanced tools to add value at every stage. Information-rich BIM models support construction teams, while visualisations and construction rehearsals help optimise programmes, improve safety, and standardise delivery across similar assets. An established innovation framework ensures new ideas are tested, deployed, and scaled consistently, focusing effort where it matters most. Additionally, a culture of digital leadership is embedded across the business, with dedicated leaders empowering and supporting teams to develop digital skills, drive innovation and understand the digital delivery planning process. MMB has also invested heavily in intelligent plant, enhanced by the latest application of AI-powered software. The company-owned fleet - including 25 intelligent excavators - has delivered a 30% productivity boost compared to traditional plant, alongside fuel and carbon savings, improved safety, and greater dig accuracy. See how intelligent machines accelerated construction by 58% whilst cutting carbon at the Dearne Reach constructed wetlands project: Nature-based solution optimised by responsible AI | Mott MacDonald Find out more about our progress in the digital construction space in our 2024 annual review .

UK design and construction company Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) has been named as a preferred bidder for a major new enterprise with Scottish Water. The agreement is for the period 2027-2033, with the potential for a six-year extension thereafter and is the highest value venture ever put in place by Scottish Water. The ground-breaking enterprise will see MMB bring its unique approach to design and construction of civils and MEICA infrastructure to Scotland for the very first time on this scale. Director, Jonny Burton, commented: "We’re thrilled to have been named as a preferred bidder on this exciting new enterprise with Scottish Water. "MMB will bring its 25+ years’ experience to the enterprise as we support Scottish Water to transform the country’s public assets to keep taps flowing and the environment protected. "We recognise the potential the framework has to improve the country’s water and wastewater infrastructure and look forward to collaborating with the client, fellow preferred bidders and the local supply chain to deliver brilliant outcomes for Scotland." Director of capital investment at Scottish Water, Rob Mustard, added: "The Enterprise is the most significant programme of investment and way of working we [Scottish Water] have ever implemented. "It supports our goals of financial sustainability, service excellence, and going beyond net zero, all while contributing to a flourishing Scotland." The procurement process is expected to be fully completed by March 2026.. *** Looking for a new challenge with a growing construction and civil engineering company that now works with 10 of the UK's largest water companies? Check out all current vacancies in engineering, design and support roles on the MMB website .

Leading UK engineering and construction company JN Bentley has been awarded a place on Lot 3 of Cumberland Council's Combined Building and Civil Engineering Capital Works Framework. Running from 2025 to 2029, alongside 15 fellow contractors, the framework will give JN Bentley the opportunity to deliver a diverse programme of projects including flood prevention works, bridge and highway upgrades, and drainage schemes. Individual projects will range in value from £2.5m to £6m and could represent around £8m of work for JN Bentley. JN Bentley director, Jonny Burton, said: "This framework represents a fantastic opportunity for JN Bentley to expand into more complex schemes beyond the UK water sector, while strengthening our presence in the North West of England. "It gives us chance to build on the work we have delivered previously for Cumbria Council, and our current work on our capital works framework with Westmorland and Furness Council." "We look forward to working closely with Cumberland Council and our partners to deliver infrastructure that supports communities and drives regeneration." JN Bentley already has an active presence in the region and continues to actively grow resources to support other key framework partners including United Utilities, Environment Agency and Westmorland and Furness Council. Interesting in joining our growing team? Find out more about a construction career with us.

A new advance market commitment (AMC) has been announced, designed to speed up the development and commercialisation of the next generation of UK concrete innovations and their adoption. Launched by Innovate UK and Carbon Limiting Technologies, the new AMC will unlock investment and help innovators transition from prototype to full scale production much faster. Regional technical leader at JN Bentley, Chris Bolton, signs the advance market commitment Together with UK construction and engineering company JN Bentley, the first signatories of the AMC include: Mott MacDonald Scottish Water Heathrow AtkinsRealis UK Derwent London Ramboll Buro Happold BAM Included in the Government’s Autumn Budget, the programme – funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) – looks to secure commitments for up to 500,000 cubic metres of new, low-carbon concrete. This approach will enable earlier carbon savings and faster cost reductions, positioning the UK as a world leader in next-gen construction materials and techniques. Dr Stafford Lloyd, innovation lead, clean growth strategy at Innovate UK, said: "This advance market commitment exemplifies Innovate UK’s mission to drive economic growth by supporting businesses to develop new ideas. "It is a bold, collaborative effort to create a market for sustainable solutions before they are fully commercialised, sending a clear signal to innovators that their efforts will be met with demand and providing an essential component in unlocking investment in scale-up companies." Addressing delegates at the launch event, minister for industry, Chris McDonald commented: "We want to make the UK a world-leading producer of reliable, low-carbon cement and concrete. While demand is uncertain and risks are high, we need to do more to back innovation and scale up these new technologies. That’s where Advance Market Commitments are so useful." With concrete accounting for approximately 8% of all global emissions, these first signatories represent a key step towards decarbonisation within the UK. Chris Bolton, regional technical leader at JN Bentley added: "As a leading contractor serving the UK water industry and beyond, we recognise the important role JN Bentley has to play in decarbonising construction. The AMC gives us the tools to access verified, low-carbon materials; share risks and rewards with industry peers; and turn commitments into impact-starting with the target of this AMC for 500,000m³ of next generation low-carbon concrete." To learn more and get involved, visit the programme page on the Innovate UK website. Article adapted from Innovate UK statement . *** Looking for a new challenge with a forward-thinking construction and civil engineering company? Check out all current vacancies in engineering, design and support roles on the JN Bentley website .

Meet one of our brilliant people: Olivia Rowe, a project leader based in the North of England. Olivia speaks about her role at Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) as a project leader, her work on the UK's largest Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) for stormwater treatment, Dearne Reach, and how she delivered excellence on this scheme. Olivia also speaks about her proudest achievement and advice for those looking to shape their own story at MMB. What do you do at Mott MacDonald Bentley and what are you currently working on? Currently, I'm a project leader working on MMB's Yorkshire Water framework. Recently, I completed work on the UK's largest ICW for stormwater treatment, Dearne Reach. The project involved the design-and-build of a 4.4-hecatre ICW, designed to enhance water quality along a 4.1km stretch of the River Dearne, by reducing the ammonia levels and improving storm flow treatment. Tell us how you delivered excellence on this scheme At Dearne Reach, we collaborated with MMB's Digital Delivery team, to pilot the use of intelligent machinery alongside the 'Smart Construction Dashboard' during the design and construction phases of the wetland. Prior to site mobilisation, a model and delivery programme was shared for upload into the smart construction software, which used AI to generate an earth-shifting model; highlighting the most efficient workflow, size, type and number of machines required. What advice would you give to someone looking to shape their own story at Mott MacDonald Bentley? "Say yes to as many opportunities as possible!" We have the benefit of being in such a large company, so there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in different practices and to learn from peers in different disciplines. What has been your proudest achievement? Being a project leader on both of MMB's schemes at Witches Oak wetlands and Dearne Reach ICW. I'm proud to have been a champion of nature-based solutions within the company. This role has been pivotal in my career, allowing me to gain experience in both the design and implementation phases of nature-based solutions. What advice would you give to your younger self? To always follow your own path, say "yes" to opportunities that come your way and try not to stress about the small details. How do you manage your safety and wellbeing? I like to manage my wellbeing by regularly practising yoga, making space for meditation in my day, and taking time to get outdoors whenever I can. Finish this sentence: I feel included when... We work together as a team. _________________________________________________________________________________ Read more on our award-winning project at Dearne Reach _________________________________________________________________________________

Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) is delighted to have welcomed its third cohort of young people to its bespoke graduate and apprentice development programme (GAP). Over 70 new starters came together at our two launch events - held in Birmingham or Leeds - to be inducted onto the programme – now in its third year. Over two days, attendees were welcomed and introduced to the programme, with opportunities to network with fellow colleagues and gain deeper insight into the organisation.  The graduates and apprentices heard inspiring stories and guidance from senior leaders – including MMB design director, Jamie Colwell – all about building a successful career. They then took part in hands-on workshops and engaged in thoughtful conversations about key business themes such as health and safety, quality, cost and efficiency, people, and sustainability. About the programme   The graduate and apprentice programme (GAP) is a 12-month initiative and is unique to MMB, carefully structured around a series of events that reflect the company’s core objectives, values and culture. Delivered in partnership with our training provider, Futureproof, the programme equips early career professionals (ECPs) with a blend of personal and professional skills that are directly applicable to their roles within MMB. Helen Bradford, lead learning and development advisor said: “It was fantastic to welcome another cohort of enthusiastic graduates and apprentices; all beginning to build their networks and deepen their understanding of what matters most to us as a business. “Across both launch sessions, the involvement and support from directors and key stakeholders was truly invaluable- demonstrating the company-wide commitment to nurturing our early careers intake. With a full calendar of sessions ahead over the next 12 months, we’re excited to follow their journeys and see how they grow both personally and professionally.” Hear from delegates   “The GAP programme has really improved my confidence in a professional setting and has provided me with the basics for nurturing relationships with colleagues, whether that be in understanding how to approach different colleagues based on their individual character, or becoming more self-aware, and knowing how and when to adapt in professional situations.”   George, graduate business rotation “The GAP programme has given me many opportunities to connect with colleagues from all areas of the business, broaden my perspective on problem-solving, and grow in confidence within the workplace. The skills and insights I’ve gained will stay with me throughout my career – and I look forward to sharing them with others as I progress.” Ella, SHEQ coordinator A legacy of investing in early careers At MMB, supporting early careers has always been central to our commitment to nurturing talent and building a sustainable workforce. Each year, we invest over £1 million in training and development – empowering our people to grow and shape successful, fulfilling careers. Career opportunities   Applications for apprenticeships open on Friday 9th January 2026. Learn more and apply direct on our careers site . Applications for placement and graduate roles opened in October 2025. Click here  to view all our current opportunities and apply. Get in touch with our early careers team at mmbcearlycareers@jnbentley.co.uk .

JN Bentley is proud to have been awarded platinum membership of The 5% Club for the second year running, following the annual Employer Audit Scheme. About the 5% club The 5% Club  is a dynamic network of forward-thinking employers committed to driving positive change in workplace training. Its mission is to promote greater inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility by expanding high-quality ‘earn and learn’ opportunities across the UK. The Club exists to help its members and all employers to further increase the number, quality and range of earn and learn opportunities across the UK. In joining The 5% Club, members aspire to achieve at least 5% of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions – including apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes. JN Bentley’s investment in early careers Over the past four years, more than 10% of JN Bentley’s workforce have been made up of apprentices, placement students, and graduates – a commitment that has earned us this prestigious recognition. Judith Jeffery, HR Director said: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved platinum membership with The 5% Club for the second year! This accomplishment really does reflect the dedication of everyone at JN Bentley. With a strong heritage in nurturing talent, our platinum membership highlights our shared commitment to investing in early career development within the construction and engineering space.” JN Bentley’s early careers programme continues to grow, providing a valuable gateway into the industry, helping apprentices, placement students and graduates establish and build fulfilling careers. Pictured: Group of JN Bentley early career professionals on site Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive at The 5% Club, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding employers, like JN Bentley, who continue to raise the bar for workplace learning. “Their dedication to creating rich and varied 'earn and learn' opportunities sets a remarkable example. By achieving Platinum membership, JN Bentley has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to investing in people — shaping the skills of tomorrow and driving lasting impact for both business and society.” Gill Cronin, Director of Operations at The 5% Club, added:  “It is truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and leadership our members bring to developing talent. JN Bentley’s Platinum membership is a shining example of how purposeful investment in people can deliver opportunity, inclusion, and excellence.” 2026 early careers opportunities Applications for early careers roles at JN Bentley are now open – closing on 6 January 2026. If you, or someone you know, want to join an employer who is among the top 42 large companies in the country for earn and learn roles, visit our careers site  to view all our current opportunities. Applications for apprenticeships will open in January 2026. Find and follow us on socials – LinkedIn , X  and Facebook  – to keep up with the latest news from across the business too.

Winning the ‘Water Project of the Year’ award – plus picking up a further ten nominations spanning seven categories - Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), JN Bentley (JNB) and JBA Bentley teams proudly represented our engineering excellence and industry impact at the highest level. Held annually in London, the British Construction and Infrastructure Awards (BCIAs) recognise the very best projects, companies and teams across the UK in the construction and engineering sector – and with nearly 250 entries across 24 categories from over 100 organisations, this year’s competition was stronger than ever. Alongside representatives from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the MMB team who have been part of the reservoir safety scheme at Llyn Celyn, in North Wales, proudly accepted the prestigious Water Project of the Year Award – a hotly contested, brand-new category for 2025. The award shines a light on outstanding projects within the UK water sector that are driving improvements in the resilience, quality, and sustainability of the country’s water and wastewater facilities. Mott MacDonald Bentley and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water receiving the 'Water Project of the Year' award at the 2025 British Construction and Infrastructure Awards As lead design and build contractor, MMB was appointed under Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s reservoir safety programme to design and build a new auxiliary spillway, with a culvert beneath the access road and a downstream section to convey water past the dam safely, alongside upgrades to the associated pipes and valves. With a capacity of 81 million m 3 , Llyn Celyn is the largest reservoir by volume in Wales and one of the largest spillways constructed by MMB. The £45M scheme improves the safety, resilience and operational reliability of the critical asset and provides long-term resilience for the surrounding community. This was a complex and large-scale dam safety project and required outstanding levels of collaboration and innovation across the whole team. Judges were impressed by the project, remarking: “This was a well-planned, complex and potentially high-risk scheme, which included liaising with high profile stakeholders and navigating complex safety regulatory requirements. There was clear demonstration of collaborative and successful teamwork. “The team demonstrated how they used both digital and physical modelling to develop the approach and reduced the size of the asset and thus reducing carbon. In addition, the project demonstrated positive collaboration with local stakeholders and a clear understanding of the history of the site and need for a sensitive approach.” Following the win, MMB Director, Ian Bester, commented, “Picking up an award for Water Project of the year, and for a Dams and Reservoirs project, acknowledges our engineering excellence in this specialist discipline.  It’s been one of our flagship projects over the last couple of years, so it’s fantastic recognition for a collaborative team, that includes our client and supply chain – every aspect from start to finish has been exemplary. Congratulations to all involved!” Gregory Cornelius, design lead at Mott MacDonald Bentley, said: “I am thrilled to see our project recognised as 'Water Project of the Year'. As design lead on the scheme, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. Delivering such a complex project required true collaboration across a wide range of stakeholders, with everyone pulling together to make it happen. A fantastic team effort that resulted in something we can all be proud of.” Find out more about the project at Llyn Celyn in this short video. MMB, JN Bentley and JBA Bentley  were named finalists across multiple categories. In addition, the JBA Bentley team were delighted to receive a ‘highly commended’ in the Innovation Impact category, for the design and delivery of a world-first modular fish pass at Meadowgate in South Yorkshire , using concrete fish tiles designed with the aid of CFD modelling. A full list of the MMB, JNB and JBAB finalists is as follows: Community and Social Value Impact: Beyond the Build - Delivering social value in Yorkshire (MMB) Engineering Excellence Award: Newthorpe and Heanor Milnhay AMP7 upgrades (MMB) Engineering Excellence Award : Springwell Service Reservoir and Pipeline (MMB) Engineering Excellence Award:  Meadowgate (Don Regulators) (JBA Bentley) Innovation Impact Award: Strongford Net Zero Hub (JN Bentley)   Net Zero Carbon Impact Award: Strongford Net Zero Hub (JN Bentley) Sustainability and Environmental Impact:  Meadowgate (Don Regulators) (JBA Bentley) Upgrade and Renewal Project of the Year:  Aire and Calder Navigation Flood Landslide Repair Project (JN Bentley) Upgrade and Renewal Project of the Year: Llyn Celyn Section 10 MITIOS Works (MMB) Upgrade and Renewal Project of the Year:  Meadowgate (Don Regulators) (JBA Bentley) Water Project of the Year: Newthorpe and Heanor Milnhay AMP7 upgrades (MMB)

UK civil engineering and construction company JN Bentley is doubling its Leeds city centre office space as it takes over the fifth floor of its existing home at 1 Whitehall Riverside. The new modern office space will accommodate teams from JN Bentley and its two long-standing design and build companies, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) and JBA Bentley. The new JN Bentley Leeds office boasts a large open-plan kitchen Having first moved into 1 Whitehall Riverside in 2023, this latest move to take over the whole of the 17,000 sq ft fifth floor has been brought about by the growth the organisation has enjoyed in recent years. JN Bentley director Jonny Burton said, “Record levels of investment in the UK water sector, coupled with buoyant frameworks across environmental and industrial markets, means our teams are growing. "This additional office space will facilitate even better collaboration that will help deliver the outcomes our clients and their customers need. "It will accommodate colleagues delivering projects on important frameworks with the likes of Yorkshire Water, Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, and Associated British Ports. "We’re sure they’ll love their new home." Located a short walk from Leeds railway station, the new office boasts spacious collaboration spaces; state-of-the-art meeting technology; a large open-plan kitchen (complete with coffee machine); and spectacular views of the city centre and River Aire. The new address is Floor 5, 1 Whitehall Riverside, 1 Riverside Way, Leeds, LS1 4BN . JN Bentley head office remains in Skipton. *** Looking for a new challenge in Leeds, Yorkshire or beyond? Check out all current vacancies in engineering, design and support roles on the JN Bentley website .

The Outstrays Managed Realignment Scheme, at the Humber Estuary in Yorkshire, has celebrated its official public opening. UK environmental engineering company JBA Bentley played a significant role in the design and construction of the project, which will safeguard the region from climate change and protect a vast range of species for many years to come. The opening event welcomed key stakeholders and project partners to the local parish hall at Welwick, where formal speeches were given by representatives from the Environment Agency, Associated British Ports, and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, as well as the MP for Beverley and Holderness, Graham Stuart. Representatives from the key project partners at Welwick parish hall Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “JBA Bentley – well done. You’ve delivered a fantastic project despite terrible weather and storms for two years. You have been a fundamental and wonderful part of local engagement, immersing yourself in the community and making yourselves welcome with the folk round here. It’s not easy and you’ve done a cracking job.” Following the speeches, the group travelled to the site of the new 5.5km flood embankment where a bird hide has been installed, to officially declare it open. The scheme is an impressive feat of environmental engineering, with the construction of the new embankment, together with a breach in the existing one, creating over 170 hectares of intertidal habitat (saltmarsh and mudflats) for overwintering, breeding and passage bird species. Additionally, 75 hectares of wet grassland, with varying pool depths, are providing feeding areas and protection for waterfowl and wading birds. Over 100 different bird species have been recorded across the site since construction began in 2020. JBA Bentley was able to win all of the embankment material from within the intertidal habitat area and use the less viable soils to form sacrificial wave dissipation bunds. This approach eliminated the need for over 2000 trucks movements through local villages and eliminated the import of 34,500 tonnes of rock armour, a saving of over 25,000 tonnes of carbon over the 60-year design life of the embankment. Further increasing biodiversity, more than 11,000 native shrubs and tree seedlings were planted, as well as 700 metres of species-rich hedge – going beyond the scheme’s required planting target. This has allowed pockets of woodland and hedgerows to be connected, creating corridors for wildlife. The project will also benefit surrounding communities, infrastructure and businesses by increasing flood resilience, whilst public access to the site has been enhanced with the installation of new car parks, bird hides, a designated bridleway and horse-friendly gates, and information boards. Several attendees at the opening event were also able to visit the new, carbon-efficient Skeffling pumping station - one of two adjacent pumping stations that JBA Bentley have been awarded a contract to upgrade, following successful delivery of the managed realignment scheme. The upgrades will enhance the catchment’s standard of protection and better manage flood risk for local residents, businesses and farmland, whilst improving eel passage. Works at the site of the new Skeffling pumping station Nick Lister, Director at JBA Bentley, said:  “JBA Bentley is proud to have collaborated closely with two of our key clients - the Environment Agency and Associated British Ports - to deliver this important managed realignment scheme at The Outstrays. “As a fully integrated design-and-build business, our engineering, environmental, and construction teams worked with a range of partners and stakeholders to provide the detailed design and implementation of more than 175ha of intertidal habitat and supporting freshwater grassland. “This flagship project - which will ensure that the unique environment of the Humber Estuary is preserved for future generations - has provided great opportunities for social value, carbon reduction and innovative flood embankment construction.” Saltmarsh and mudflat areas of new habitat The scheme not only enhances flood protection for local communities and creates valuable habitats but also plays a pivotal role in broader flood risk management and future port development on the Humber, by providing compensatory habitat to enable wider investment in the region. As a result, thousands of properties, businesses, industries, and areas of land around the Humber now benefit from greater flood resilience, and opportunities for future growth and investment. To find out more about the project and the open day, see the Environment Agency’s official press release.